Win or learn. You never lose. This mantra adorns a mural in Sant Pere de Ribes, Spain, a town of 30,000 inhabitants located 25 miles from Barcelona. The mural features local hero Aitana Bonmatí Conca, clutching a Ballon d’Or trophy in one arm while embracing a younger version of herself with the other. It symbolizes the journey of the world’s best women’s player, which began in this small Spanish town and now extends to the global stage.
After winning nearly every trophy available, the 27-year-old Bonmatí now sets her sights on claiming Spain’s first UEFA Women’s Euro title in Switzerland. Her journey has been marked by resilience, having rejoined the Spanish team after being hospitalized with viral meningitis just a week before the tournament’s start.
The Early Years: A Trailblazer in Her Hometown
Bonmatí’s path to greatness began in Sant Pere de Ribes, where she was the only girl playing soccer among boys. “My first memory is playing soccer in the schoolyard of Escola El Pi,” Bonmatí recalls. “Times have changed a lot in recent years. When I was young, I didn’t have the chance to look into the future and see [female] role models to aspire to.”
Her upbringing in a household that valued equality and persistence shaped her character. Her parents made a bold decision to reverse the traditional Spanish naming order for gender equality, making her one of the first in Spain to carry her mother’s surname as her first name. This commitment to equality continued to guide Bonmatí’s decisions throughout her life.
Joining Barcelona: A Pivotal Decision
Bonmatí took a crucial step at age 14 by joining Barcelona’s female academy, Barcelona Femení Academy. This decision was driven by her admiration for players like Andrés Iniesta and Xavi, whom she watched avidly on TV. However, the opportunity came with challenges, as Barcelona did not have a fully professional women’s team at the time.
Despite considering a move to the University of Oregon in the United States, where women’s soccer was already established, Bonmatí ultimately chose to stay with Barcelona. Her decision proved fruitful as the club’s board turned the women’s team professional in 2015, allowing her to forge a path as a professional player.
Rising to Prominence: Achievements and Impact
Bonmatí’s influence on the field and beyond is undeniable. She has been instrumental in Barcelona Femení’s success, contributing to six league titles, three UEFA Women’s Champions League titles, seven national cups, and five Spanish Super Cups. Her leadership and skill have made her a role model for many young athletes.
“It’s a privilege to have become a role model for so many girls and boys,” Bonmatí says. “Today I can see many people wearing my jersey in Barcelona or around the world, and this is something unique that was impossible to imagine just a few years ago.”
The growing popularity of women’s soccer is evident. In 2022, Barcelona broke the world record attendance for a women’s soccer match twice, with over 91,000 fans attending crucial Champions League matches at Camp Nou.
World Cup Triumph and Challenges
Bonmatí played a pivotal role in Spain’s historic first World Cup triumph in 2023, earning the Golden Ball trophy as the tournament’s best player. Her ability to dictate the game’s rhythm and lead her teammates was crucial to their success.
However, the journey was not without challenges. Prior to the World Cup, Bonmatí and other players declared themselves unavailable for selection due to concerns about head coach Jorge Vilda. Despite these challenges, the team came together to achieve their goal, demonstrating resilience and unity.
“It was a surprise for us and for everyone. We faced a complicated season and weren’t so close as a team for everything that happened in the previous year,” Bonmatí reflects. “We managed to succeed because everyone, individually, showed the best version of ourselves.”
Beyond the Pitch: Advocacy and Legacy
Bonmatí’s influence extends beyond her on-field achievements. She is a vocal advocate for equality and better conditions in women’s sports. Her speeches, including those at the FIFA Ballon d’Or ceremony, emphasize the importance of institutional support for meaningful change.
“I always say I have a responsibility that goes beyond the playing field. I know I have a voice that’s heard and that carries weight. I try to use it to speak up for better conditions or for causes that matter,” she says.
As Bonmatí continues to inspire future generations, she remains focused on the upcoming UEFA Women’s European Championships, aiming to bring home another title for Spain. Her journey embodies the mural’s message: win or learn, you never lose.
